At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead security architecture, ensuring security is integrated into all technology designs.
- Company: Join Co-op, a member-owned organisation focused on community and purpose.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, company car or allowance, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of security in tech while protecting trust and delivering impactful change.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in security architecture and team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 105000 - 114000 £ per year.
£105,000 to £114,000 per year, plus great benefits
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 22/07/2026
About this job
Circa £105,000 to £114,000 plus private healthcare, company car or £6,000 car allowance and more great benefits (Work Level 4) Manchester city centre. We are open to flexible working arrangements, including condensed hours. You'll work in a hybrid way, with travel to our Manchester office as required for team days, meetings, and events.
We are reshaping our Digital, Technology and Data function for the future, creating new opportunities, strengthening our capability, and building clearer, more resilient ways of working so we can deliver even better services for our Co-op, our colleagues, members and customers. We are looking for a Head of Security Architecture to join our Digital, Technology & Data team in Manchester. In this role, you will lead how security is designed into everything we build and run across the Co-op, from platforms and applications through to data and identity. You will set the direction, standards and expectations for security architecture, making sure risks are considered early and managed in a consistent, practical way. Working across the organisation, you will help teams deliver change that is secure by design, not added on later.
Why this role matters
Security is fundamental to the trust our member-owners and customers place in us. This role plays a key part in protecting that trust by making sure security is built into how we design and deliver technology across our Co-op. You'll have the opportunity to influence major programmes, guide high-risk decisions, and shape how we respond to an evolving threat and regulatory landscape. By bringing clarity and consistency to security architecture, you will help teams move faster, reduce risk, and deliver change with confidence.
What you will do
- Set the direction, standards and principles for security architecture across the Co-op
- Lead and coordinate a community of Security Architects, prioritising work across both change and live services
- Provide independent assurance on solution designs, making sure security is built in from the start
- Oversee architectural reviews, threat modelling and design assurance for complex or high-risk initiatives
- Ensure consistent approaches across key areas including application security, platforms, identity, data protection and resilience
- Translate business goals, risk appetite and regulatory requirements into clear security guidance
- Lead the development of security architecture capability through training, mentoring and quality standards
- Work with senior stakeholders across technology and the business, shaping decisions where security risk is a key factor
What you will bring
- Strong experience in security architecture across a range of domains (e.g. applications, platforms, identity, data)
- Proven ability to lead and develop architecture teams within a matrix environment
- A clear understanding of how to embed security into design, rather than retrofitting it later
- Experience providing architectural assurance, including design reviews and risk-based decision making
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and explaining complex security concepts clearly
- Good understanding of security standards, regulatory requirements and risk management approaches
- Strong judgement when balancing risk, delivery priorities and business needs
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to influence and build relationships across teams
We know some people may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet every requirement. At Co-op, we are committed to building diverse and inclusive teams, so if you are excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still encourage you to apply.
Why Co-op?
At Co-op, we are owned by our members. And because we are owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you are not just taking a job, you are joining a movement. We are an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we are powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you will also receive:
- Private healthcare for you and your family
- An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
- 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service)
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
